Understand Fire Alarm Systems

A fire alarm system is distinct from a firefighting system in that it has no connection to the firefighting system; its purpose is to inform all humans in the building that there is a fire via an audible alarm, so that they may evacuate the building. To phrase this differently, the firefighting system is not switched on by the fire alarm system; the two are independent. It is mandatory for every building other than small residences to have a firefighting system; a fire alarm system is required only in important and public buildings (as per Indian Codes in 2008). However it is better to provide it.A fire alarm system consists of fire sensors, such as smoke and heat detectors, located throughout the building, connected to a main alarm panel by special cables. The panel is in turn connected to a set of hooters or speakers that give an audible alarm throughout the building and its surrounding areas.In most areas smoke detectors are used to sense fires; they cannot be used in areas like kitchens where smoke is usually present. In such areas heat detectors (which actually detect a sudden increase in heat) are used. Devices such as a manual call point (a small button placed near exits that can be pressed by anyone who realizes that there is a fire) and a response indicator (a small red light that is placed outside a door; this lights if the smoke detector inside has been activated in order to tell the firefighters the location of the fire) are also used.The main alarm panel should ideally be placed in a 24-hour control room or security room. The panel will indicate the location of the fire to the persons manning it so that they can coordinate the evacuation process. In case the main panel is kept elsewhere, a repeater panel can be placed in a security room.